Fire at BioLab Chemical Plant

A fire sparked early Sunday morning at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, following a malfunction with a sprinkler head. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. ET, prompting urgent evacuations and significant road closures as officials assessed the situation and worked to contain the blaze.

Causes and Initial Response

According to Rockdale County authorities, the malfunctioning sprinkler head caused water to mix with a highly reactive chemical, resulting in a dangerous plume. Fortunately, firefighters were able to initially contain the roof fire, but as the situation developed, the fire reignited hours later, leading to heightened concern in the community.

Evacuations and Traffic Control

In a Facebook video, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett urged local residents to steer clear of the area, stressing the severity of the ongoing fire: "It’s burning pretty good. We’re trying to get that under control, but at the same time, we’re also trying to get the traffic under control.” As a precaution, residents living between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 were urged to evacuate immediately.

Road Closures and Safety Recommendations

Additionally, both directions of the interstate were closed between Salem Road and Turner Hill, with the sheriff calling for assistance from the Georgia Department of Public Safety and Georgia State Patrol. Those located north of Sigman Road have been advised to shelter in place, keeping windows closed to minimize exposure to potential hazards.

Health Advisory

Local health departments—Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale—further recommended that residents turn off their air conditioning systems in an effort to reduce any inhalation risks from the chemical fumes.

Previous Incidents

This incident echoes a prior experience for BioLab, which previously dealt with a significant fire during a “thermal decomposition event” in September 2020. That incident resulted from severe weather conditions enabling rainwater to penetrate the facility, igniting another hazardous reaction.

Current Status and Ongoing Risks

As investigations proceed, residents and officials remain on high alert, awaiting updates and further safety instructions. This fire underscores the ongoing risks associated with chemical manufacturing plants and the potential consequences for surrounding communities.

Conclusion

Conyers, Georgia, located about 30 miles east of Atlanta, now faces a precarious situation as emergency services continue to battle the flames. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.